Dayton: Home-sprinkler clause would doom bill

A clause in a construction borrowing package related to home sprinklers could doom the full package.

Gov. Mark Dayton warned Monday that he would veto the full bonding bill over attempts to dump a building code requirement. That pending rule requires that new homes of a certain size be equipped with sprinklers, but some lawmakers want to stop the measure from taking effect over concerns it will add too many costs to home construction.

Dayton says using a bonding package of $846 million to block the requirement would prompt a veto. He can’t line-item that portion because no money is attached to the language. Dayton told reporters that he “will not have something rammed down my throat.” He says leaders would be well-advised to remove it before passing a bill.